The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-10-26
nym.x SIDES Urrn oBEELE
civil Service Reforn Means Ne Political
Work hx Omceho1dcrs.

WhsHINaToy, Oct. 95.--Civil Service Com
missioner Lyman, who with his family has
lust returned to the city, said to-day that he
had read Mr.. Oberly's letter to tho Illinois As
sociatlon and q reported interview with Mr.
Edgerton on tho points raised and discussed
in that lottor. and that In the main his views
conceded with those Of Mr.. Oberly He re-
garded associations OF the character OF tile
Illinois Association, whether composed OF
Democrats. Republicans, labor reformers
temperance advocates, or what not, as very
Objectionable, II not illegal, and certain. to
greater or less extent, to demoralze the public
service. and to defeat ono object OF tho Civil
Service law, viz. to secure non partisan SER
vice within the sphere of operation OF that
law; q service non partisan In fact, and non
partisan in attitude and action in which par
tisar politics as a trade shall have no place.
"Such service" no said, would be made up
OF mon Of all parties-men who might IN truth
sion to. strong political views. but who. would
hold the expression and advocacy OF those
sTs In dona se wh
rights or privileges rs citizons."
~ II ia clearly the right OF every citizen said
net. political views; but il Is, not the right
OF any citizen, who Is also g, public servant; to
give to Ri bbs ssor sSS son
sion into the public service: Repose T. nor
NAL and necessary condition OF efficiency in
the to see that the organization OF TINT service
into warning political factions would be utter
tha t The adhsrents in tho public service OF the
party in power may organize themselves into
associations for the purpose Of maintaining
TAI ha' a Pshi.s IN The cS servieo Law The
right must also be conceded to those In the
sarks to the INTO
purpose OF overthrownR that party and driv-
Ing It out OF power, And when all parties are
Citations OF each are actively engaged In en-
deayors to GUST from the service the mem bers
81 tf ne their activity viii take
or later. no matter what their profession-what
spectacle WILDE presented to the gaze 81 the
OF such q condition OF things resulting from
the organizatiop Of partisan political a t aa
smn n The sh shoe and shoad
its instant abandonment"
Upon the subject. of assessments or contri-
associations cannot be maintained without
money and the Paymient OF mGnsy IN bs tho
o 81 Te tie sePses and the
G cSsE Of ysn sneh
4ass clear av 81
service without violating the law. This is not
so clear"
Referring to Mr. Oberlys. recent order de-
claring members of POLITICAL committees incl
igible for appointment on Boards Of Civil Ser
Vice Examiners. Mr.. Lyman said:
>" II It is. objectionable for employees in the
classified civil service to organize themselves
into partisan political associations. It is much
more Objectionable for members OF Boards OF
Civil Service Examiners to be members OF
such associations. or of committees organized
for political work: The members OF these
Boards must be absolutely free from any s,ls-
picion Of craftsmanship in their action. a thing
Impossible SO long as they are active in such
associations or on such committees and 1t is
Commission to see to It that it's Boards OF Elk.
aminers are free from every Just suspicion OF
partisanship in their composition or action"